This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Similar to previous years, two sections of the L.A. River will be open to the public for summer recreation starting on Monday. The Recreation Zones will be open through Labor Day, allowing for public enjoyment all summer long. The first section is in the Glendale Narrows, and it runs 2.5 miles in Elysian Valley. The other section is in the Sepulveda Basin section, which runs 2 miles in Encino, between where the 405 and 101 intersect. Both sections will be open from sunrise to sundown every day, and the general public has full access (just remember to wear a flotation device). Private operators can receive permits to guide excursions along the river, like the L.A. River Kayak Safari, which provides instruction and history for experiencing the river.
Access to the Elysian Valley section is at Rattlesnake Park on Fletcher Drive just northeast of Riverside Drive. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone is accessible west of Woodley
Avenue on Burbank Boulevard. The L.A. River Recreation Zone specifies the use of non-motorized, steerable boats, so this means no speed boats or inner tubes. Kayaks and canoes only on the L.A. River. If you don't already own one, have no fear: organizations like Paddle the L.A. River and L.A. River Expeditions offer the opportunity to rent kayaks for your own use or buy a spot in an organized tour.
The days of filling the river with concrete are far behind, and now incessant pieces of legislation and art and community organizing encircle the snake of urbanized nature. The easiest way for us to interact with the river right now, though, rather than waiting for new parks to materialize, is by kayaking down our public waters.
Councilmember O'Farrell has invested in maintaining these programs, having recently introduced a motion to allow the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority to manage the program for the next five years. The goal is to also guarantee room in the city budget for the program.
